What is the role of restriction endonucleases within the bacterial cell ?

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Joining the DNA fragments

Cutting of DNA of host bacterium at a specific position.

Prevention of bacteriophage multiplication by cutting its DNA

Cleaving of hydrogen bonds in DNA

answer is C.

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Detailed Solution

The primary role of restriction endonucleases is to protect its host (the bacterial cell in which it is present) from viral infection.

By cleaving foreign DNA, restriction endonucleases provide a defense mechanism against bacteriophages and other foreign genetic elements. When a bacteriophage injects its DNA into a bacterial cell, the restriction endonucleases can quickly recognize and cleave the viral DNA, rendering it inactive.

Note: Restriction endonucleases do not cut the DNA of their host bacteria because within the host DNA, restriction sites are masked by methyl groups.

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